Spectrum Educational Services

Unfortunately November 14 was a typo on the Linking Together brochure. The group was held November 12. If you set aside the third Wednesday, November 19, for Linking Together, you now have a free evening. There will be no group in December. We meet again on January 21, 2015. The group is still welcoming new members. So far this year we have enjoyed  Wendy Johnson explain what criteria are used to formally diagnose Autism. Todd Samuelson and Nicole Stein from  CHHS shared ways to communicate your child's needs with school as well as different options for completing high school. Ruth Isaac demonstrated sensory strategies and gave a tour of a children's gym downtown.

There is nothing easy about wondering if your child is on the Autism Spectrum. Since Autism is a medical diagnosis, your family doctor is the place to start. Then a referral can be made to a paediatrician. The blog "Autism Medicine Hat" lists the names of local paediatricians  here . Documenting difficult behaviours prepares you for describing the problems your child is facing. For each difficult behaviour ask yourself: What seems to trigger the behaviour? How long does it last? How often does is happen? Since tests for Autism are observational, be prepared for multiple appointments and possible referrals to other specialists. Receiving a diagnosis is more of a journey rather than an event.

In the New York Times an article entitled, " I had Asperger Syndrome. Briefly. " asserts that the definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder should be narrowed. I agree. The proposed change to the DSM V diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder includes, "Symptoms together limit and impair everyday functioning." I hope this clause will separate out from the rest of those with ASD the group of people currently diagnosed who assert that the only thing wrong with  having ASD is how other people treat them. If a person is fine with the way life is working, then why seek a diagnosis? Or try and keep the label while at the same time advocating that supports are not needed, just understanding? Requiring support is part of the new criteria. Autism is a diagnosis, not an identity. Good for the author for moving on to explore his potential.